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Forms       101 

area and in any area lying between it and the hangars or any other point to or from which flying machines may require to taxi or on which they might alight. The surface should also, within narrow limits, be level. The ideal airport would have a gradient of about one-half per cent from the circumference of the circle inwards up to the centre in every direction, but such a condition can rarely be obtained. No gradient should, however, exceed two per cent. Changes in grade should be infrequent, and transitions from gradient to gradient should in all cases be very easy. In localities where, due to topographical conditions, it is not possible to obtain a site of 3,000 feet diameter, "L" "T" or "X" shaped landing strips of at least 3,000 feet in length at sea level and 500 feet in width, free from obstructions, may be constructed. "X" shaped runways should intersect at an angle of not less that 45°. The length of landing strips should be increased according to the altitude at which the airport is located, approximately 5 per cent for each 1,000 feet altitude above sea level. 

6. Quality of Surface of Airports.-The quality of the surface should be such that it is sufficiently firm to support the weight of an aircraft on its landing wheels without undue displacement in any weather and in any season except winter, when skis would be used. At the same time it should not be such as to pulverize easily, since windborne dust is likely to injure engines. Hard grazing land is consequently to be preferred and a sub-soil of a porous character, the whole drying readily after rain, or one that will allow of adequate drainage. Where the sub-soil does not admit of the adequate drainage of the surface in wet weather, landing strips should be constructed at least 1,800 feet in length, and 500 feet in width. A hard surfaced runway minimum of 100 feet and preferably 200 feet in width should be laid along the centre of each landing strip and the 200 feet on each side of it tile drained.

7. Hangars, Etc.-There should be hangar accommodation for the traffic immediately in prospect and ample space for the extension of this accommodation. On water there should be a landing stage so constructed as to permit of the ready handling of planes at any stage of water. Repair shops, etc., should be located according to circumstances. The main store of fuel should be at such points as